Endo Mitsuoki

Endo Mitsuoki was a modern swordsmith born in Niigata Prefecture in 1904, with the childhood name Jinsaku. According to the touken-world.jp directory of contemporary swordsmiths, he began working as a blacksmith after finishing elementary school and pursued sword-making largely through self-study.

He later became a pupil of the swordsmith Kurihara Hikosaburo, whose high estimation of his skill spurred him to intensive practice. Mitsuoki exhibited his blades at sword exhibitions across the country, earning numerous awards including excellence prizes, special prizes, and commendations. In 1939 he dedicated a tachi on the occasion of a 700th-anniversary commemoration of Emperor Go-Toba, and in 1945 he forged a commemorative sword for Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet. He continued to dedicate swords to major shrines and temples throughout the country.

In 1981 Mitsuoki was awarded the rank of Mukansa (exempt from screening) by the Japan Art Sword Preservation Society (NBTHK) — the highest rank below Living National Treasure, reserved for smiths who have won special prizes multiple times at the annual new-work exhibitions. Rising from self-taught beginnings to the rank of Mukansa through decades of dedication, he holds a lasting place in the sword history of Niigata. He died in 1997.